Located in the downtown of Toledo, Ohio, USA.
Our vision is that all beings everywhere are happy and free; and we are committed to excellence, Self-awareness and personal responsibility, as we share these gifts in the community. We invite you to join us and uncover your true Self.
We are here to Serve
Center of Excellence International
Founded by Dorothy Divack, CENTER OF EXCELLENCE is an International Coaching, Training and Leadership Company. Dorothy supported the vision of It’s Yoga® in 1989 and has since, been affectionately dubbed as the Godmother of It’s Yoga®. In 2011, Marie participated in the EXCEL Training and is currently in the Coaches/Consultants Training. Dorothy serves on the IYI Board of Advisors and is a true Master, sharing her expertise, wisdom and Love through her devotion to Authenticity.
It’s Yoga®
It’s Yoga® was one of the first Ashtanga schools in the West, born in San Francisco. Since 1989, the brand opened numerous locations worldwide, and continues to be a leader in training instructors to practice, teach and excel on and off the mat.
Weekly Schedule
Please call us to book any of the following classes at: (419) 377-2841
Workshops
Please call us to book any of the following classes at: (419) 377-2841
Saturday January 20
Falling is a part of Flying
An inversions workshop for all levels
This workshop is offered to the community to support you in standing on your hands. These three hours will be spent warming up, moving through some drills and key alignment for arm balancing, and we will complete with a circle to remove blocks in our minds around being upside down and standing in your power.
Saturday, January 20th from 12 – 3 PM
Investment: $25 for IYI Members $40 for drop ins
Thursday, January 25
New Year Visioning Workshop
Join us for a Yoga & Coaching Cirle that is designed to offer tools for Clarity and Purpose so that you can manifest your visions for the New Year. Flow on the mat intelligently, and sit in the sacred circle to gain energy and wisdom for a brighter tomorrow.
6 – 9 PM
We will practice yoga from 6 – 7 PM in this workshop.

Tuesday, February 27
Celebrating the Rocket® Creator
It’s been 7 years since the Founder of the It’s Yoga System of Ashtanga VInyasa Yoga, & Creator of the Rocket® made his transition to the next dimension! Join this Live class from anywhere in the world and feel the energy of his love.
Starts at 4:30 PM GMT
Save the date! Log in information coming soon!
The Rocket®
Created by Larry Schultz in the early 90’s while he was on tour with The Grateful Dead as their yoga instructor, The Rocket® Routines are variations of Classical Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Ashtanga Vinyasa is a dynamic and aerobic practice that links breath and movement to support overall well being, optimal health; and a strong and flexible body and mind.
“Is this for Me?”
The answer is Yes. The routines are created to be practiced in a group setting, attending to practitioners individual needs.This is achieved by modifying the postures as needed, and still be part of a safe and effective sequence in a group atmosphere. Your body is unique to You. As facilitators, we learn how to offer these teachings by observing and working with You. For an in-depth engagement with your practice, private classes are ideal too
Class Descriptions
– MPS : Modified Primary Series, based on the Primary Series, with a focus on warm up, standing and seated postures, including final relaxation (45 minutes)
– Midweek Meditation : A seated meditation practice will guide you through mindful awareness followed by a short group conversation (45 minutes)
– Rocket®1 : A dynamic sequence with emphasis on legs, shoulders and abs, using postures from First and Second series (60 to 75 minutes)
– Rocket®2 : Focuses on strength poses, backbends and hip openers, with postures from Second and Third series (60 to 75 minutes)
– Rocket®3 : The Fusion of Rocket® 1 and 2 creating a complete interpretation of the It’s Yoga® System. A great way to kick off the Weekend! (60 to 90 minutes)
“The Rocket® gets you there Faster!”
(Bob Weir of The Grateful Dead)

Marie Russel
In 2002, Marie started practicing at It’s Yoga® in Columbus, Ohio and was immediately drawn to its healing benefits. Soon she realized that she was happier and healthier when she was practicing yoga, so she went to San Francisco to participate in the It’s Yoga® Teacher Training Program with founder, Larry Schultz. Following the training, Marie had the unique opportunity to study, practice, live and teach with Master Yogi Larry Schultz for 7 years before he passed in 2011, leaving Marie with the It’s Yoga® legacy to carry forth and grow globally. Thus, she founded It’s Yoga® International (IYI) where she serves as Director and directly collaborates with the IYI Affiliates, Trainers and Graduates on daily basis. Marie is dedicated to serve the world at a high level, here from Toledo and abroad, by Sharing the Love of the Practice.

Dani Russel
Dani dropped into the lap of classical Mysore style Ashtanga in 2000 when living in London and found a practice for his personal well-being. Whilst visiting family in Stockholm, Sweden in 2011, Dani met Marie; tuned into a Rocket® 3 Happy Hour in his jeans, moved to the US 4 weeks later and has been flying high ever since. Six years and children later, he is honored to be of service to a truly diverse Toledo community and our international following from Mexico, Italy, Spain, Thailand, Scandinavia, UK and beyond.
Upcoming Trainings and Events
IYI 30 Hr. Rocket Immersion
3 Days of Rocket® Bliss
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dates: February 9-11, 2018
IYI 301: Rocket® Foundations
Learn the techniques of the It’s Yoga® System of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Since 1989!
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dates: February 9-18, 2018
IYI 501- Mastering the It’s Yoga® System
Integrate your learning and move your Rocket® practice to new dimensions
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dates: February 16 - 24, 2018
IYI 302: Rocket® Take Off!
The Rocket® is taking off, are you on Board?
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dates: Feb. 20 - Mar. 1, 2018
Rocket® Retreat Week
Celebrate Larry Schultz, the creator of The Rocket® in the Anniversary of his passing with this week of Rocket® Love!
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dates: Feb. 25 - Mar. 1, 2018
IYI 502- BEING a Rocket® Trainer
Commit Yourself and Your Practice to Excellence
Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands
Dates: Feb. 25 - Mar. 1, 2018
IYI Immersion – 3 Days of Rocket® Love
Immerse yourself in the It’s Yoga® System
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Dates: May 25 - 27, 2018
IYI 301: Rocket® Foundations
Laying a strong foundation in The Rocket® and learning the tools and techniques of the It’s Yoga® System
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Dates: May 25 - June 1, 2018
IYI 200 Hr. – Teacher Training
Laying the Foundation for an empowered practice and teaching of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga for Westerners since 1989!
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Dates: June 3 - 29, 2018
IYI 302: Rocket® Take Off!
Laying a strong foundation in The Rocket® and learning the tools and techniques of the It’s Yoga® System
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Dates: July 1 - 10, 2018
IYI 200 Hr. – Teacher Training
Laying the Foundation for an empowered practice and teaching of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga for Westerners since 1989!
Location: Toledo, Ohio
Dates: October 21 - November 19, 2018